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Letter EGeology glossary

Ephemeral Lake

An ephemeral lake is a temporary body of water that forms in arid or semi-arid regions, usually after heavy rainfall. These lakes exist for a short period before evaporating or draining away. Ephemeral lakes are significant in studying desert hydrology, sedimentation patterns, and the response of ecosystems to fluctuating water availability.

Dry cracked landscape with mountains at sunset (ephemeral lake)
Fig. 1 Dry cracked landscape with mountains at sunset (ephemeral lake)

Source Yechieli, Y., & Wood, W. W. (2002). “Hydrology and Evolution of Saline Lakes in the Dead Sea Rift Valley.” Earth-Science Reviews, 58(3-4), 297-314.

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